Manufacture of framed panels



1950 c. J. DELEGARD EI'AL 2,531,375

MANUFACTURE OF FRAMED PANELS Original Filed June 9. 1947 9 Sheets-Sheet1 FIG.|

INVENTORS'.

CARL J. DELEGARD MICHAEL J. NARDULLI ATTOR Nov. 21, 1950 c, J, DELEGARDE 2,531,375

MANUFACTURE OF FRAMED PANELS '9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed June 9,1947 mdE Original Filed June 9, 1947 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 1950 c. J.DELEGARD EI'AL 2,531,375

MANUFACTURE OF FRAMED PANELS Nov. 21, 1950 C. J. DELEGARD ET ALMANUFACTURE OF FRAMED PANELS 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed Jupe 9, 194

u l I I l l I I I I IlL A fl 11 EH l a g Q5 1 Q mm M mm QM wmw u 7 1 v Lww/m l W H. m WSW N a m 1950 c. J. DELEGARD ETAL 2,531,375

MANUFACTURE OF FRAMED PANELS Original Filed June 9, 1947 9 Sheets-Sheet5 INVENTORS CARL J. DELEGARD MICHAEL J. NARDULLI c. J. DELEGARD ETAL2,531,375

MANUFACTURE OF FRAMED PANELS Original Filed June 9. 1947 Nov. 21, 1950 9Sheets-Sheet 6 iNVENTORS.

CARL J. DELEGARD' MICHAEL J. NARDULLI 9 $heets-Sheet 7 INVENTORS.

Nov. 21, 1950 Original Filed June 9,- 9 7 w. U D E R M A O N. w J LM E AH E Y M B CARL J. DELEGARD Nov. 21, 1950 c. J. DELEGARD ET AL 2,531,375

MANUFACTURE OF FRAMED PANELS Original Filed June 9, 1947 9 Sheets-Sheet8 CARL J. DELEGARD MICHAEL J. NARDULLI ATTYORNE Nov. 21, 1950 c, J,DELEGARD ET AL 2,531,375

MANUFACTURE OF FRAMED PANELS Original Filed June 9, 1947 9 Sheets-Sheet9 INVENTORS. CARL J. DELEGARD MICHAEL J. NARDULLI ATTORNE Patented Nov.21, 1950 MANUFACTURE OF FRAMED PANELS Carl J. Delegard, Chicago, andMichael J. Nardulli, Elmwood Park, Ill., assignors to Michael J.Nardulli, Angelo F. Naples, Peter F. Nardulli, and William H. Mozal, astrustees, under a trust known as Western Engineering Trust Originalapplication June 9, 1947, Serial No. 753,586. Divided and thisapplication January 11, 1949, Serial No. 70,243

11 Claims. (01. 154-- 118) This invention relates generally to themanufacture. of framed panels, and particularly it relates to themanufacture of framed panels wherein a rectangular frame composed ofside and end frame members is arranged to support and impart rigidity toa panel of relatively low strength material that extends across theframe that is thus defined.

Framed. panels of the character with which the present invention isconcerned are utilized in a wide variety of arts, and such framed panelsmay take the form of window sash, window screens, doors having panels ofscreen, glass, wood or other materials, or as elements of furniture suchfor example as the top of a card table or the like. Framed panels of theaforesaid general character have heretofore been made through the use ofmiter joints, dovetail joints or the like, between the four elements ofthe rectangular frame, and after formation of the panels involves aconsiderable amount of special machinework as well as hand work andfitting, and where the panel material is flexible in characteras :is thecase when a screen material is employed, the problem of stretching andproperly disposing the'pa'nel material on the frame is quite'troublesome and it is quite common to find that the'material has notbeen properly and neatly applied.

=In1 view of the foregoing it is an important object of the presentinvention to enable framed panels of the aforesaid character to be moreeas ily assembled, and an object related to the foregoing is toeliminate skilled forming and fitting operations in the production ofsuch framed panels.

Another object is to enable framed panels of the aforesaid character tobe rapidly produced through the use of an assembling machine whereby theparts of the framed pane1 need merely to be placed in a loosely heldassembled relationship and are thereafter secured firmly and rigidlytogether by automatic operation of the machine.

The problem of stretching a screen panel material or a like flexiblematerial such as transparent treated cloth or the like is recognized asbeing one of the reasons why framed panels of such a character arerelatively expensive, and a further and important object of the presentinvention is to Simplify the stretching and attachment of such flexiblepanel materials in the manufacture of framed panels. An object relatedto the foregoing is toenable such framed panels to be formed orassembled in a continuous succession so that the flexible panel materialextends during the assembly and manufacturing operation between thesuccessive framed panels, and through such an arrangement to afford acontinuously stretched and properly formed body of panel material withrespect to which the frame elements may be readily and easily assembled.An object related to the foregoing is to enable finish moldingheretofore required in screen panels to be eliminated, thereby to savein material, assembly, labor and painting, with the resultant saving incost of such screens; and further, to enable the formation and finishingofgthe wood elements to be simplified by enabling frame elementsfinished or smoothly surfaced by planing upon but two faces to beemployed.

In accordance with prior practice, wood framed screens of standarddesign have been made from lumber that is 1 /8 inches by inch in crosssection, and this has been considered to be necessary in order to attainsufficient strength in the corner joints of the screens. It is, ofcourse, recognized that any reduction in the size or cross section ofthe lumber used in such frames would result in economy, either bysavings in lumber, or

by enabling lumber to be used which would otherwise be considered asscrap, and it is a further object of the present invention to enablethis to be accomplished while at the same time enabling high strengthscreens, or other framed panels, to be readily and economicallyproduced. A further and related object is to form each frame member fromtwo half-thickness frame elements so as to facilitate use of thin stripssuch as barking strips, edgings, off falls and other material that wouldotherwise be considered as scrap, and by such a construction to minimizethe objectionable efiect of structural weaknesses that are often foundin a particular frame element; and a related object is to enable atleast a substantial proportion of such frame elements to be made fromshorter pieces than heretofore were required, thereby to further promotethe use of cheap scrap material.

In screen panels as heretofore constructed, and to some extent in othertypes of framed panels, the attainment of strength in the framed panelshas been limited primarily to the frames, and it is a further object ofthe present invention to enable the relativel flexible or low strengthpanel material to cooperate efiiciently with the frame elements toattain exceptionally high strength and extreme ruggedness and rigidityin the finished panels;- and an object related to the foregoing is,through the greatly improved strength characteristics as aforesaid, toenable reduction in size and cost of the frame elements to be attainedwhere the maximum of economy is desired. A further and related object isto afford a continuous bond or connection between the border edges ofthe panel and the frame elements, thereby to insure efficient forcetransmission and maximum bracing and strength in such structures.

Another important object of the presentinvention is to form the framedpanels as a continuous and connected succession of such framed panels,and to thereafter separate the panels into the individual units in whichthey are to be finally used or sold.

As hereinbefore pointed out, the manufacture of framed panels asheretofore practiced has involved the special forming of 'the ends ofeach of the frame eleme'nts'so as to prepare the same for cooperation'in some type of flash joint,an'd such special formingoperations are ofcourse relatively expensive. It is therefore a further object of thepresent' inventionto enable framed panels having efficient andrigid-corner jointsto be produced from frame elements having rectangularly formed ends, thereby 'to simplify the preparation of suchframeelements'.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following description and claims and are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings which, by Way-of illustration, showpreferred-embodiments and methods and the principles thereof andwhat wenow consider to be the best mode in which we have contemplated applyingthose principles. Other methods and embodiments of the 'inventionembodying the same or equivalent principles maybe used and structuralchanges may be made as desired by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the present invention and the purview of the appendedclaims.

In the-drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of an assembling machine utilizing the method ofthe invention and through the use of framed panels may be produced inaccordance with the invention;

Figs. 2 and 3 are "enlarged fragmentary side elevational views, which,when placed end to end, illustrate the complete machine;

Fig. 2A is a schematic wirin diagram;

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the loading portion ofthe machine;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the machine;

Fig. 6 isa fragmentary view of a :portion of the cutaway mechanismutilized in severing'the 'work into individual units;

Fig. 6A is a sectional view taken along the line BA-BA of Fig. 6;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view of the cut-off mechanism showing the sawinits elevated position;

Fig. 8 is a view illustrating further details of the cut-off mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective illustrating the manner of assembly offramed panels such as half-screens;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a half-:screen made in accordance withthe present invention;

Figs. 10A and 10B are reduced elevational views showin thehalf-thickness frame assemblies of another arrangement of frameelements;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along theline I l-l|of'Fig.'10;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a full screen made inaccordance with the method of the present invention;

Figs. 13A and-13B are views illustrating the way in which the frameelements of the full screen of Fig. 12 are assembled and related in themachine;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating the way in which thelower elements of the frame of a half-storm window sash are assembled inthe machine;

Fig. -l5 is aview similar to Fig. 14 and shows the relationship of theupper elements of the frame of such a window;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the completed half-window type ofs'torm'sash;

Fig. .16Ais an el'e'vational view of one type of conventional fasteningelement that may be used;

Fig. '17 is a cross sectional view taken along the linelL-ll of Fig. 16;and

Fig. 18 is a similar view showing another kind of framed panel.

For purposes of disclosure the present invention ha been hereinillustrated-as it is utilized in making several different types offramedpan'els and an assembling machine is shown whereby such framedpanels and others having similar characteristics may, under the presentinvention,

be assembled quickly and easily and ate minimum cost. In Figs. 1 to 3 ofthe drawings an assembling machine 20 is illustrated and this assemblingmachine comprises an elongated frame 21 formed by spaced lower channelbeams 22 that are supported :at spaced points by legs 23 so as to afford.an elongated bed. In this connection it will be noted that transverseangle bars 24 disposed on opposite sides of the legs -23 serve tosupport the lower-beams 22 Jon the legs 23 and in properlyspacedrelationship. Similar angle bars 25 connect the lower ends of the legsto impart rigidity'to the structure. 'Inthe'completed machine, the workis moved from right to left as viewed in Figs. '1 to 3 so that therighthand end of the machine-constitutes the loading end while theleft-hand end of the machineconstitutes the unloading or discharge endof the machine. Spaced a considerable distance from both en'clsofv thebed afforded by the beams 22,.a pair of upper channel beams 26 areprovided directly over the beams 22 and supported in spaced relationabove such beams '22 by cross members in theform of I-beams 21.

The lower beams 22 serve as a support for-an endless, chain-typeconveyor 39 that ismade up of chains 35A and 69B and transverse rigidslats 305 that are connected to the outer faces of the chains 30A and3613 at spaced intervals. Adjacent to the right-handor loading'endofcthe'ma chine, a transverse shaft 3| is supported by-bearing brackets.32 on the upper faces of the beams 22, and spaced sprockets 33cm theshaft 3| serve to support the chains 30A and 383 at the loading end ofthe machine. Somewhat to the left of the left-hand end of the upperbeams 26, a transverse shaft 35 is mounted in bearing brackets 36disposed on the upper flanges of the beams 22, and sprockets 31 fixed onthe shaft 35 for rotation therewith serve to engage and support the.other endportionsof the chains 30A and 30B.

A sprocket 38 on the lower end of the shaft 35, as viewed in Fig. 1,hasa' chain 39extended therefrom to a sprocket 40 that constitutes apower source, this sprocket 40" in the present instance being fixed on ashaft 4| of a speed reducer unit 42. p

The upper run of the conveyor'30 is arranged to ride along supportingrails 44 that are in turn carried on the upper flanges ofthe cross beams21, as will be evident in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, and thus the upper run ofthe chain or conveyor 30 affords a fiatand substantially continuoussurface upon which the elements of the framed panels may be.

supported and moved from right to left through the machine as viewed inFigs. 2 and 3. The lowerrrun of the conveyor 30 extends, of course,beneath the cross beams 21, and if desired, a

supporting shelf 45 may be extended between certain of the legs 23 so asto afford a surface along which the elements of the lower run of thechain may slide. I

The upper beams 26 serve as a support fora presser structure 59 whichtakes substantially the same form as the conveyor 30. Thus the presserstructure is in the form of an endless belt arrangement afforded bychains 59A and 59B that are connected by rigid slats 598 at spacedintervals. Shafts 5! and 52 are supported on the beamsZB by bearings 53and 54, and these shafts have sprockets 55 and 56 thereon which engagethe chains 59A and 593 so as to support the endless presser structure59. The lower run of the presser structure 59 is arranged to movebeneath a plurality of guide rails 58 that are suspended beneathtransverse angle bars 59 that extend across the upper edges of the beams26. Thus the movements of the elements of the lower run of the endlesspresser structure 50 are limited as to their upper displacement, andhence these elements may be effective as a substantially flat downwardlyfacing presser surface that is disposed in an opposed and accuratelydetermined relation to the left-hand portion, Figs. 2 and 3,

of the conveyor 39. Hence the elements of a framed panel may becompressed between the opposed runs of the conveyor 39 and the presserstructure 59. The conveyor 39 and the presser structure 59 are driven inunison by meshed gears BI and 62 that are fixed on the upper ends, Fig.1, of the shafts 35 and 52 respectively.

When the Work has been moved between the opposed runs of the conveyor 30and the presser structure 59, such Work is discharged onto and is movedalong a stationary supporting surface afforded by a series of slats 65that are supported on a pair of transverse channels 99 that are in turncarried on the upper faces of the beams 22. As such work isadvancedalong the rails 65, such work is moved into a separating station68 to which a separating or sawing mechanism 19 is mounted as willhereinafter be described. Beyond the separating station 68, the work ismoved onto a plurality of supporting rails II that are supported ontransverse channels 12, and the supporting rails 'H constitute anunloading station from which the finished work pieces are removed afterthey have passed through the machine.

Thus the machine 29 affords a series of stations from right to left asviewed in Fig. 1, the right hand portion of the conveyor 39 constitutinga first loading station M. A second loading stationlE is then provided,and as herein illustrated this loading station is defined in part bya-guide roller is that is utilized in guiding flexible panel materialsuchasscreeninto position in the assembly of the framed panels. Betweenthe loading station 15 and the right hand end of the presser structure59, a third loading station 11 is provided and at this station thedisposal of the various elements of the framed panels is completed. Uponsuch completion of the preliminary assembling operations, such workmoves into a third station of the machine which constitutes acompression zone or station 18 and this compression zone or station isdefined by the opposed portions of the conveyor 30 and the presserstructure 50. From the compression zone the work passes through theseparating station 68 and then to theunloading station that is definedby the supporting rails ll.

As hereinbefore pointed out, this invention contemplates the assembly offramed panels as a continuous series of panels that are joined togetherby at least certain of the elements that are utilized in forming suchframed panels, and

the separation of such joined units is effected at the separatingstation 68 by the saw mechanism 70. The saw mechanism I0 is best shownin Figs. 1, 2, 6, l and 8 and it comprises a saw carriage having a pairof transverse shafts 86 thereon which carry guide wheels 81 at oppositeends thereof, and these guide wheels 91 are arranged to ride between thehorizontal flanges 89 'of a pair of transversely extending channels 90,such channels 99 being supported in upstanding columns 91 and 92 thatare afforded at opposite sides of the machine frame. Thus thelongitudinal beams 22 as shown in Figs. 1 and 8 have a pair oftransverse channels 94 extended thereacross, and the columns 9| and 92extend upwardly from these channels 94 so as to enable the supportingbeam or track to be relatively long.

At the ends of the track 90, a pair of shafts 9B are extendedtransversely through the tracks 99 in the columns 9| and 92 and theseshafts 96 carry aligned sprockets 9'lthat are embraced by an endlesschain 98. The chain 98 in the upper run thereof is arranged to engage asprocket 99 so that by movement of the chain 98, the sprocket 99 may berotated. It will be observed in this connection that the carriage 85 ispivotally sup-, ported by brackets 85A on the left-hand end portion ofthe carriage 85, while connecting bars I99 extend between the shafts 86so that the four wheels 81 bear a predetermined relationship withrespect'to each other. The other end of the carriage 85 is supported onthe right-hand shaft 89 by a link [0| that is pivoted at its lower endon a pivot pin |92 on the carriage 85, while an upper pivot I03 connectsthe upper end portion of the 'link ID! to a disc 99D that is in fixedrelationship to the sprocket 99. Thus when the sprocket 99 is rotated ina clockwise direction, Fig. 7, it reaches the position that is shown inFig. 7 wherein a carriage 85 is in a horizontal position and when inthis relationship, a clearance slot I9IS in the link llll embraces theright-hand shaft 86.

When, however, the sprocket 99 is rotated in a counter-clockwiseposition, the right-hand end of the carriage 85 is lowered to theposition shown in Fig. 8, and when a fully lowered position is reachedan upstanding arm or extension llllA in the link engages the shaft 86 toprevent further rotation of the sprocket 99.

Such rotation of the sprocket 99 is attained by operation of the chain98 which serves not only to raise and lower the carriage 35, but also tomove this carriage back and forth across the bed 75 of the machine toeffect the desired work-sepae rating "treaties. In this cbmitidri it beover a pulley H2 carried'on' thf l pei brid'ofohe of the'columns 92. Thecable 111 heh extends' ownwardly and around 'glii de puHeyI W'aITd thenextends horizontally "to the left and neonne'cted' by a lug H4 to theupper run or thechain When the mechanism is at "rest, it is'liicated'at'the right-hand end Of theWraCk SW55" Viewed in Fig. 8 and the saw I isin its 'elev'at'ed 'lio'sitiiiii' of Fig. '7. Whena separati g operationis to "be performed, a'drivingm'otorl'fi i'sreridere'de eetive torotatethe right hand shaft 98", it being observed that 'themotor I I" 5 actsthrough a gear reduction I16 and a'chain II'Tto constanuyunve 'a'sprocket H8 that is fixe'd on the right-hand shaft 96. Rotation in theShaft maybe rendered effective to drive the sprocket 91by ineahs of "aone-revolution clutch mechanism I28 that includ'es a Iatbht-Wfiel I2 I'connected "to the sprocket 91 and a disc I22 connected to the shaft 95.A pawl I23 on the disc I22 normally engages the sprocket I21 and may bedisengaged therefi'o'm bya slidable' cam- I24' mounted on the shaft 96.The earn I24 is arranged so that it maybe \vithdr'a'vvnawa'y from thedisc I22 by"means of a fork I25 and 'a solenoid l26"that is connected to9 the fork I25, and a Solenoid I2 'I connected to fork I 2'5 may beenergized tomove the cam I24 to a clutch-disengaging. position. Thesolenoid I2! is energized so asto disengage the clutch by closure of aswitch 128, "this being accomplished by an arm I29 that engaged by oneof the elements of the saw carriage Bhjwhen the carriage 85 reaches itsleft-hand position, or in other Words, after the separationoperationhasfbeen completed. Upon disengagement of the clutch I20, thecounterweight I It) is effective toreturn the carriage to-itsifestpositibn at the right-hand end of the supporting trachea, and inthis con nectibn it will be noted that the right-hand movement of theupper run ofltlie cha-in 9}? isfirst efi'ec'tive to rotate the sprocketsll to itsv positionof Fig. 'Tso as to thereby elevate the saw [05befor'e the right-hand or return ifidv'eliiht ofth carriage'takes place.I

As hereinbefor pointed out} the framed panels or the present inventionnign may be assembled on the machine hef'e'iflbioi described may takemany d ifier ht ft-nus" and may be adaptable for use in manydifi-r'er'itai'ts. A number of differeht types of frame banels havetherefore been disclosed in Figs. 1'0-18 of the drawings, but it will beunderstood that these examples are merely for. purposes of disclosureand are not intended to constitute an exhaustive showing of all framedpanel's falling within thescoi'ae of the method of the presentinvention. Thus in Figs; and 11 a framed panel in the form ofa hair}screen has been illustrated,.such half-screen I 5'8 being of the kindthat is adapted for use as a screen closure outside of the lower sash ofa double-hung window. The half-screen rat-camprises an upper framemember I51 side frame members I52 and I'53,-arid a bottoznhframememberI54- and these four frame members are arranged to afford a rectangularframe across wmh 'ascr'en page '1 55 is stretched. {It winteobservedthat the frame thati'sthusaffor'ded is in the form'of a pair ofhalf-thickness frames between Whichthe bordipor'ti'ons' of the screenpanel" I55 are extended and secured, and this manner of forming theframe of the framed p'anel "I not only simplifies the planing njiilloperatfoi1s that are necessary in preparingth'e' various frame elementsfor assembly, but also enables the framed panel to be assembledon'fthj'e' machine that has been hereinbe'fo're described. The halfthicknes's frame structures "that are thus utilized may; for purposes ofdisclosure; be termed front and rear half-thickness rame structures, andthe s1ats whi'ch make up such front and rear half-thickness framestructures are herein differentiated through the use of the letters" F IaIid Rf as suffiXeS on thereferehce numerals that have been applied to'the'v'ari'ou's s'ide'f'ra'm'e members. Thiis'the u per side framemember comprises a front frame member *I5IF" a'nd'a rear/frame member mmwh ch, will be evi'd'eh in Fig. 10, are'ofiset longitudinally in thecompleted framed paner Similarly, the other three frame members areafforded by front and:

rear fr'aine elements that are in each case, ofiset longitudinally so asto enable effective 'and'ri'gid joints to be formed in a simple mannerat the corners "of the frame. In the structure shown in Fig. 10, thefront and rearfram'e elements of each frame 'member are 'of the samelength as Will b'e evident in Fig. 10mm with this arrange ment; theelements o'feach half-thickness frame structure are arranged so as to besymmetrical with respect to a center point of the panel, This symmetryabout the center point enables the number 'of different lengths requiredin the a s semblyof a trained panel to be minimif'zd', but where thiseconomy is not necessary, other wees Of -sylniiu tl'3 7 iii the finishedframe panel be attained, as win be hereinafter described with particularreference to Figs. 10:; and 106 of the drawings. I H

In assembling the various frame elements of the half-screen I50 of Fig.10, one end of each frame eleiiient is engaged with the side edge of one'of the next adjacent frame elementsjof the same half-thickness framestructure thereby to afiord'a butt joint. Thusvvith respect to each;

half-thickness frame "structure, a pluralitj of siffi'ilar bll'tt jointsI are provided iii a symmetrical relation about or with respect to acan: tei" 'point in the framed panel. The relationship of the buttjoints that are thus afforded is re,

versed in the other of the two half-thickness frame structures, andthesc're'en panel [50' 1% disposed between the two-half thicknessrrasie: structures as will be evident at IBIIA in Fig. 11.

616 It Will be'apparent that with this arrangement,

one end ofeach frame element is disposed in an overlapping face-to-faoerelationship to the adja'c'ent end of a frame element of the other hthickness structure, thus in effect forminga lap' joint with the frameelement of the other half;

thickness frame structure that is disposed at right angles thereto. Theultimate effect of this" relationship is that a half-lap joint isafforded ateach corner of the framed panel I50, and nder" the presentinvention the half-lap joints and the opposed faces of all of the frameelements are secured together adhesively so as to afford an extremelyrigid structure that may be economicallyi produced In order thatthe'elments may be maintained intheir assembled relationship whilepressure is applied initially and is mereaftermaintainea between theelements of the framed panel, mechanical fastening means are preferablyput in place between the various frame elements immediately afterassembly thereof has been completed. Such mechanical fastening elementsmay take the form of nails I58 that are of a commercial kind adapted tobe applied through the use of a nailing'machine. The details of such anail I58 have been illustrated in Fig. 16a of the drawings.

The arrangement of elements embodied in the framed panel I59 of Figs.and 11 adapts this framed panel for convenient assembly in the machinethat has been heretofore described. Thus the rear frame elements thatafford the halfthickness rear frame structure may be put in place on therear conveyor 39 at the first loading station It. This may be done Whilethe conveyor 30 is stationary as will hereinafter be described ingreater detail, and guide or positioning blocks I59 disposed at one eachof the slats 5% of the conveyor. Other guide means such as guide railsI66 may be employed if desired, but

elements may be pressed together during curing of the adhesive. u

As the advance movements of the conveyor 30 progress, the presserstructure 50 becomes impressive upon each framed panel in succession andthis presser structure may be of such a length that, considering thenature of the adhe'sive, an adequate curing or hardening of the adhesivemay be obtained Within the machine or in other words within thecompressure structure' 18 that is defined by the presser structure 50.In practice, however, it has been determined that only a preliminarycuring is necessary with- V in the co'mpressure zone 18, and the framedpanin practice it has been determined that this addirear frame structureis advanced to the left. in

Figs. 1 and 3. When the framed panel is to have av panel material madeof screen, such screen is supported in a roll R on a supporting shaftI63 that is supported at its opposite ends in upstand ing columns I64.These columns IE4 also serve to support the guide roller 16, and thescreen I 55W isextended as a web downwardly from the roller R and aboutthe guide roller 15 so as to then extend to the left over the conveyor3!]. The assembled rear frame structure thus moves into position beneaththe web I55 of screen material andthis web I55W may be drawn to the leftby attaching thesame initially to the conveyor 38 so that the screen webI55W will advance with the frame structures as the conveyor 36 advances.It will be clear of course that after the first completely assembledframed panel goes into position beneath the presser structure 50, thisrelationship will then cause the screen web I55W to advance. The roll Ris attached to the shaft I53, and a conventional brake structure I10 ismounted on one of the columns I64 so as to apply braking pressure to theshaft I63. This serves to maintain the web I55 under tension I55W so asto thereby assure proper stretching of the panel material in the framesas they are assembled.

ter the assembled rear frame structure has moved into position beneaththe screen web I55W and opposite the third loading station 11, the frontframe elements are put in position on top of the screen panel and in theopposing relationship to therear frame elements as indicated in Fig. 10.The fastening nails I58 are then applied so as to hold the assembledelements in position, it being noted that the lower face and one endedge of each front frame element has an adhesive applied thereto priorto the position on the machine so that when such positioning has beencompleted, the required adhesive is in position and the frame els ma'then be removed from the machine at the discharge end thereof and maybe placed in stacks under the required compression so as to cure for therequired length of time.

It will be evident that the framed panels I5Il may be assembledindividually on the machine and 'that under such circumstances the onlyseparating operation required at the separating station" 68 is thesevering of the screen web I55W between the adjacent individual units.Under other circumstances, however, the individual units may beassembled so as to afford a continuous succession of interconnectedunits I59, and under'such circumstances the integral frameelements ofadjacent units may be separated at the separatin station 68. Thus, asillustrated in Fig. 9 of the drawings, the top and bottom members I5Iand I5 3 (of Fig. 10) of each frame structure ma be formed byrelativelywide members I1IIW so that the units are joined together as they are putin place in the machine. Such a continuou series of panels may be thencut apart to form individual units or half-screens such as the unit I ofFi'g. 10, or may be cut at points III and I12 as indicated in Fig. 9 toafford full length screens such as the screen shown in Figs. 12, 13A and13B of the drawings as full length screens I15. Where full length screenare being formed the elements such as the elements I16 of Fig. 9 maybeaiforded by a single continuous strip of line, and such an element isillustrated in Figs. 12, 13A and 133.

In Figs. 12, 13A and 13B, the long side frame elements that are thusutilized when full length screens I15 are to be produced have beenidentified as ITISL, and in Figs. 13A and 13B, the front and rearhalf-thickness frame structures ,have been shown. In such an arrangementof frame elements, the several corners, including those corners onjoints at the centralcross rail I'II are in the nature of half-lapjoints and the elements are assembled in the machine in the mannerhereinbefore described so as to adhesively and mechanically secure theframe elements together. In the production of full length screens I15,it is often desirable to locate the severance lines at III and I12 so asto afford a relatively high lower, frame element I18 and a comparativelynarrow upper frame element I19, as will be evident in Figs. 13B of thedrawings. Otherwise, the method of procedure or assembly is the same ashereinbefore described.

The framed panels (of the present invention) may also be of such acharacter that the panel material is rigid in character, and in Figs.14-17, such an arrangement has been illustrated as ap-. plied to ahalf-length storm sash I80. This storm sash has a rigid glass panel IBI,and the assembly of the elements is substantially the. sameashereinbefore described with the excephDWEVQ that the rear frame elementshave rabbeted grooves I 84- formedv therein. into which the borderingedges of the glass panel extend. The partsare-secured together inthesame manner through the; use of adhesive that is similarly applied,and mechanical-fastening elements I58 are similarly'applied. Such framedpanels I80 embodying: rigidv panel" material may, of course, beassembled individually as her-cinbe- .foredescribed, or--maybeassembledas a group or series of units that are separated at the.separating; station 68uleymeans of the saw structure I0.

It has also. been pointed out that framed panelsrnade by the. method ofthe present invention may beutilized as. table tops and inFig. 18 afragmentary illustration. of such a table. top structurewill, betound.In this framedrpanel I86, a rear frameelement I 81R has a rabbetedgroove. I88 intowhich a narrow. flange I89 of a rabbeted tabletop panelI90extends. The. flange I89 isformed by rabbetin the table top-panel I90to afford an. edge I9I-, and the front frame element It'll?v fitsagainsttheshoul er tel-and against the rear frame element I8'IR so as"to' headhesively secured'tothesur-face or edge I9'I, the'flange. I89.and the rear frame element I8' R. This form of frame panel may, ofcourse, be formed in the same manner as hereinbefore describedwith-respectto theaother types. of framed panels.

When thewfrarned panels are-b ing assembled ina continuous series, theadvancing movement of the conveyor isautomatically stopped each time theforward end" of they leading ass mbled unit. strikes a sensin lever I92,Fig. 2A, that is mounted. on one of the rails 'II-. This sensing leverI92 serves to. momentarily clo e a switch I93 which acts tov stopthedrive of the conyeyor 30,

Thus, as-shown ill-Fig; 2A, the lever I92acts on a toothed star-wheelI94 through a conventional pawl I95 to step the wheel I through onetooth space, and thiscauses a cam lever I96 to momentarily close the.switch I92- Such closure of the switch I93-serves to energize.- acon.-trol relay. I98 which has normally closed contacts I.99--I. and normallyopen contacts I98-2. A threephase powersourcehaving lines LI, L2 and L3is-arranged to be connected to the conveyor drive motor by a. contactor20 having normally op n power contacts 2MP and normally open holdingcontacts 2991-1, all of suc contacts beingadap ed to be moved. to.closedpositions by an; operating coil; 2000..

Operating current for the. relay I98 the. coil 200C and the relays I 26and I2"! is taken from-the lines L2 and L3. Thus a. wire 2.0I extendsfrom wire L3. to one end of the coil 200C, while a wire 202 extends fromtheother end of the coil 200C to onecontactof apush button switch 203that is located. near the loading station 11. Wires 204i and 2115 inseries extend from the other contact. of. the. switch. 203 to. the wire.L2, so. that closure of. the switch-.203 energizes the:coil...200C andcloses. all of the contacts of the. contactor 2-00, Ajho'l'ding, circuitfor thezcontactor. 290 ineludes thecontacts 200E and I9'8I.,,and'f0rthispurpose a wire206 extends fromone. contact. 200K to the wire 205. so asto thereby be connectedto wire L2, while awire 201' extends fromv theother contact-2991i to one contact I9Il-I.v A wire 208 extends theholding circuit. from the other con- I-9.8-I to the wire 202, to therebycomplete. such holding'cirouit; Thus after closure .of the push? buttonswitch 203 the conveyor 30;

to operate. until. the. relay I98 is energized,,and this, of course,opens the contacts I98---I so as to release the contactor. 200.

The circuit. for the relay I98 is afiorded by wires -2 I0,. 2.I.IandZIZ- extendedinseriesfrom the wire L2 to. oneterminal of the relayI98,,.a wire. 2I3 being extended from the other terminal oi the relayI98 to onecontact of the switch 193-. Wires. 2M1, 2I5 and 2I6 extend inseries from. the other contact of the switch 193 to the wire L3 sothatclosure of theswitch I93 serves to-energgize the relay I98.

When the relay I98is thusenergized, the. 01msure of contacts l98-2thereof serves to energize the solenoid I261soast0start the operation ofthe cut-offsaw. Thus a wire 2| extends from the wire. ZIilto oneterminal of the solenoid I26, while awire 2I9 extends from the wire 216to one contact I 98.-2,.and the other contact I98-2 is connectedby awire 2 I.9.to the other terminal of. the solenoid. I26 to therebycomplete the energizing circuit. for. the solenoid I26.

The solenoid- I2! is, of course, used: to open the. saw driving. clutch,and this-is governed by the switch I28. Thus'a wire 220 extendsfrom oneterminal of the solenoid. I2! tothe wire 5, while. a. wire v22'I extendsfrom thewire 21 I to one contact of the switch I28, and a wire 222 fromtheother contact of the switch I28 to the other terminalof the solenoidI21 completes the-energizing circuit: for. this solenoid.

Summarizing the operation and control, itwill be evident that theconveyor may be started by closing the. push button switch 2-03,, andthe conveyor. continues to operate because of the holding circuit for.the control contactor 200. The advancing of the work causes. the leadingpanel tostrike the .sensinglever I92, thereby to momentarily. close the.switch. I93. This energizes. the. relay I98 momentarily so as to, breakthe holding circuit forv the motor. control contactor. 2.80., thereby tostop the conveyor 30. The relay I98 also causes the solenoid: IZfito beenergized, thereb toinitiate. thecycle of. the cut-off saw, and whenthis cycle has been. completed, the sensing switch. I93 is'closed so asto. energizerthe clutch-opening, solenoid I21. The saw is thus freedfor. return to its initial position under the influencelof itscounter-weight and the machine is thenready for startingof anotherconveyor advancing cycle.

Fromv the foregoing description it is to be evid'encedthatthe presentinvention enables. framed panels of many difierent. types to be readilyand easily assembled, and this; is accomplished under thepresentinvention in such a way that-skilled forming and fitting operations areeliminated. Itwill also be evident: that the present inventionmaterially simplifies the problem of obtaining the proper stretchedrelationship. in the panel material oI oertaintypes of framed panels. Itwill also be clear that the present invention permits. framed panelstobe made as; a continuous series whichmay thereafter be. severed to.form. indi vidual panel. units; the present. invention enables. thefinish molding heretofore required inscreen panels to be elimie nated;thereby to. save in material, assembly labor. and painting. with theresultant saving. in cost of such screens; and this invention also:enables the formation and finishing'of the wood elements to. be.simplified by enabling frame ole.- ments: finished or. smoothlysurfaced. by plan:-

ing upon. but. twofaces. to.v be. employe.d. Furthermore; .thepresentinvention effects a marked- It. will also be evident that reduction inthe size or cross'section of the lumber used in such frames and thisresults in economy, both as to savings in lumber, and by enabling lumberto be used which would otherwise be considered as scrap. These resultsare accomplished while at the same time enabling high strength screens,or other framed panels, to be readily and economically produced. Underthe present invention, by forming each frame member from twohalf-thickness frame elements, the use of thin strips such as barkingstrips, edgings, off falls and other material that would otherwise beconsidered as scrap, is facilitated, and by such a construction, theobjectionable effect of weaknesses that are often found in a particularframe element is minimized; and at least a substantial proportion ofelements may be made from shorter pieces than heretofore were required,thereby to further promote the use of cheap scrap material.

As a further advantageous feature of the present invention, it is to benoted that under the present invention the relatively flexible or lowstrength panel material cooperates efficiently with the frame elementsto attain exceptionally high strength and extreme ruggedness andrigidity in the finished panels; and moreover, through the greatlyimproved strength characteristics as aforesaid, a reduction in size andcost of the frame elements may be effected where the maximum of economyis desired.

This application is a division of the parent application, Serial No.753,586, filed June 9, 1947.

Thus, while we have illustrated and described the method of the presentinvention in relation to preferred embodiments of panels, it is to beunderstood that these are capable of variation and modification and wetherefore do not wish to be. limited to the precise details set forth,but desire I gular half-thickness side frame elements in the 4 plan-formdesired in the frame, disposing panel material across the partial framethus formed and in an overlapping relation to at least a portion of theupper surfaces of said frame elements, disposing a second set ofrectangular half-thickness side frame elements over said first set in anendwise displaced relation to afford lapped corner joints, andadhesively securing the opposed surfaces of said sets together and tothe interposed border portions of said panel material,

2. The method of producing a framed panel which consists in disposing afirst set of rectangular half-thickness side frame elements in theplan-form desired in the frame and with one end of each element buttjointed against the side edge of the adjacent element to therebyaffordsymmetrically disposed butt joints at the respective corners,disposing panel .material across the partial frame thus formed and in anoverlapping relation to at least a portion of the upper surfaces of saidframe elements, disposing a second set of rectangular half-thicknessside frame efements over said first set in an endwise displaced relationto afford similar but reversely related butt joints between th elementsof said second set, and adhesively securing the opposed surfaces of saidsets together and to the interposed border portions of said panelmaterial to afford a rigid framed panel having half-lapped cornerjoints.

" 3. The method of producing a framed panel which consists in disposinga first set of rectangular half-thickness side frame elements in theplan-form desired in the frame and with one end of an element buttjointed against the side edge of the adjacent element at each corner tothereby afford butt joints at the respective corners, disposing panelmaterial across the partial frame thus formed and in an overlappingrelation to at least a portion of the upper surfaces of said frameelements, disposing a second set of rectangular half-thickness sideframe elements over said first set in an endwise displaced relation toafford similar but reversely related butt joints between the elements ofsaid second set, and securing the opposed surfaces of said sets togetherand to the interposed border portions of said panel material to afford arigid framed panel having half-lapped corner joints.

4. The method of producing a framed panel which consists in applyingadhesive to one flat face and one end edge of each of a first set ofrectangular half-thickness side frame elements and disposing saidelements in the plan-form desired in the frame with the adhesive coatedflat faces facing upwardly and with said one end edge of each elementbutt jointed against the side edge of the adjacent element to therebyafford symmetrically disposed butt joints at the respective corners,disposing panel material across the partial frame thus formed and in anoverlapping relation to at least a portion of the upper surfaces of saidframe elements, applying adhesive to one flat face and one end edge ofeach of a second set of rectangular half-thickness side frame elementsand disposing the elements of said second set with the adhesive coatedflat faces facing downwardly over said first set in an endwise and indisplaced relation to afford similar but reversely related butt jointsbetween the elements of said second set, mechanically securing thelapped corner surfaces and butt jointed surfaces of said sets together,and pressing said sets together against the interposed border portionsof said panel material while curing the adhesive to thereby afiord arigid framed panel having half-lapped corner joints.

5. The method of producing a framed panel which consists in applyingadhesive to one flat face and one end edge of each of a first set ofrectangular half-thickness side frame elements and disposing saidelements in the plan-form desired in the frame with the adhesive coatedflat faces facing upwardly and with said one end edge .of each elementbutt jointed against the side edge of the adjacent element to therebyafford symmetrically disposed butt joints at the respective corners,disposing panel material across the partial frame thus formed and in anoverlapping relation to at least a portion of the upper surfaces of saidframe elements, applying adhesive to fiat face and one end edge of eachof a second set of rectangular half-thickness side frame elements anddisposing the elements of said second set with the adhesive coated flatfaces facing downwardly over said, first set in an endwise and indisplaced relation to afford similar but reversely related butt jointsbetween the elements of said second set. applying at least threefastening elements at each corner of the frame to secure the opposedcorner and butt jointed surfaces of said sets together, and pressingsaid sets together against the interposed border portions of said panelmaterial whilecuring the having half-lapped corner joints.

assess-a 15 6. The. method; of producing a. framed panel whichconsistslin applying adhesive. toaone. flat face. of each: of: a firstset of rectangular half.-

.thicknessside frame elements anddisposing said elements in theplan-form desired. in the frame with; the adhesive coated fiat, facesfacing upwardly and. with; one end. edge. of eachelement buttjointedagainst the side. edge of the adjacent elementto thereby affordsymmetrically. disposed butt joints at the respective corners, disposingpanel. material. across thepartial frame thus formed and in anoverlapping relation to at least aiportion of the upper surfaces of saidframe elements, applying adhesive to one flat faceof each of asecond setof rectangular half-thickness side frame elements and disposing. the.elements of said second-set with. the adhesive coatedflat faces facingdownwardly over said first set in an endwise and in. displaced relationtov afford similar but reversely related butt joints betweentheelements. of said-second set, mechanically securing the opposed elementsof said sets together adjacent the corners of the. frame, and pressingsaid sets together against the interposed border portions of said panelmaterial while curing the adhesive tothereby afford a rigid framed panelhaving half-lapped, corner joints.

7. The method of producing a framed panel which consists in applyingadhesive to one flat face and one end edge of each of a firstsetofrectangular half-thickness side frame elements and disposing saidelements in. the plan-form desired in the frame with theadhesive coatedflat facesfacing upwardly and withsaid one end/ edge of each elementbutt jointedagainst the side edge ofthe adjacent element totherebyafford symmetrically disposed butt joints at. the respective corners,disposing panelmaterial across thepartialv frame thus formed and in anoverlapping relation to at leastaportion of the upper surfaces of saidframe elements, applying adhesive to one fiat faceand one end edgeofeach of a second set of. rectangular half-thickness side frameelements and disposing the elements of said second set with the adhesive:coated fiat faces facing downwardly over said first set inyan endwise.and in displaced relation to afford similar but reverselyrelated buttjoints between the elements of said second set, and pressing said setstogether against the interposed border portions of" said panel materialwhile curing the adhesive to thereby afford a rigid framed panel havinghalf-lapped corner joints.

8. The method ofjproducinga series of framed panels which consists indisposing a first layer ofrectangular half-thickness side. frameelements to afford a series of frames in the plan-form desired andhaving wide frame elements forming integral frame elements for at leastcertain of the adjacent frames, and with one end of each element-buttjointed against the side-edge of; the

adjacent element to thereby'afford butt: joints at therespectivecorners', disposlngpanel material across-the partial framesthus formed and in an overlapping relation to at least a portion of theupper surfaces of said frame elements, disposing a second layerofrectangular half-thickness side frame elements over said first layerinan endwise'displaced relation to afford similar but reversely relatedbutt joints between the elements ofsaid second set, and securing theopposed surfaces of said sets together and totheninterposed borderportions of said panel material to afford a. rigid framed panel. havinghalf-lamaed: corner joints. 4

9.. The methodofproducing aseries of framed panels which consists. indisposing a first layer of rectangular half-thickness side frameelements to afford aseries of frames-in'the plan-form'desired and havingwide frame elements forming integral frame elements for at leastcertainof the adjacent frames, and with oneend of each ele ment buttjointed against the side edge ofthe adjacent element to thereby affordbutt joints at the respective. corners, disposing panel materialacross-the partial frames thus formed and in an overlapping. relation toat least a portion. of the upper surfaces of said frame elements,disposing a second layer of rectangular half-thickness side frameelements over said first layer inan endwise displaced relation to affordsimilar; but reverseiy related butt joints between the elements of saidsecond set, securing; the opposed surfaces of said sets together and to.the. interposed portions of said panel material to afford av rigidframed panel having. half-lapped corner. joints,v

andseparating said wide frame elements,- longi tudinally thereof to formframed panels of the-desired form and size.

10. The method of producing aeseries offramed panels which consists indisposing a first layer of rectangular half-thickness side frameelements to afford a series of frames in the plan-form'desired andhaving wide frame elements forming integral frame elements for at leastcertain.of'-' the adjacent frames, and with one end of each'element buttjoint-ed against the-side edgeofi the adjacent element. to therebyafford butt joints at therespective corners, disposing a. continuoussheet panel material across the successive partial frames thus formedand in an overlapping relation to at least: aportion of theupper'surfacestof said framcelements, disposing a: second layer ofrectangular half-thickness side frame elements over said first layer inan endwise displacedirelation to afford similar but reversely relatedbutt joints between the elements of said second set, securing theopposed surfaces of said sets together-and to the interposedborder'portions of said panel material to alforda rigid'framed panelhaving half-lapped cornerjoints, and'separating.

said wide frame elements longitudinally-thereof to form framed panels ofthe desired form and size.

- 11. The method of producing a series of framed panels which consistsin disposing a first layer of rectangular half-thickness side-frameelements to afford a series of frames in the plan-form desired andhaving wide frame elements forming integral frame elements for at leastcertain'of the adjacent frames, and with one end'of each element buttjointedagainst the side ec'geof the adjacent element to thereby affordbutt joints at the respective corners, disposing panel materialacrossthe partial frames thus formed and in an overlapping relation to atleast-a portion oftheupper surfaces of said frame elements, disposing asecond layerof rectangular half-thickness side frame elements over saidfirstlayer in an endwise displaced relation to afford similar butreversely related butt joints between the elements of said secondset,securing the opposed" surfaces of said sets mechanically and adhesivelyto ether and to the interposed borderportions of said panel material toafford a rigid. framed panel havin half-lapped corner-joints; andseparating said wide frame elements longitudinally thereof 17 18 to formframed panels of the desired form and UNITED STATES PATENTS slze- CARL JDELEGARD Number Name Date 515,814 Braun Mar. 6, 1894 MICHAEL NARDULLI'1,116,632 Schleicher Nov. 10, 1914 5 1,824,187 Adams Sept. 22, 1931REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

